Get Fit With Fun Outdoor Aerobic Exercise

One of the advantages of outdoor aerobic exercise is the fun factor. Sports competitions, recreational hobbies, adventures, excursions - everything that involves physical activity out in the fresh air also includes the pleasant release of endorphins in your brain, which act as terrific stress busters.

So if pleasant temperatures and the warm call of the sun are beckoning you to get out of the house, here is is a short list of some of the things you can do for outdoor aerobic exercise:

Brisk Walking is an activity that anyone can do anytime and anywhere. Although it is a low-impact activity, even walking 3.5 to 4 mph burns up to 300 calories an hour. Exercise walking (with a dog or without) is the top sports activity in the U.S. with some 90 million regular participants. Give it a try - it really is addictive!

Biking - If you own a bike or can rent one, biking is a way to cover more territory than walking. You can explore new scenic trails and bike paths, or take a long tour in the country covering flat or hilly terrain. You will be surprised how many miles you can ride in an afternoon, and it will give you a great workout for your legs, heart, and lungs.

Basketball - a pick-up game on the court or just shooting hoops with a buddy, basketball is a fun, hard-charging cardio workout. Spend an hour on the court and you could burn up to 500 calories.

Cross-country skiing - okay, this is a winter sport but it's also one of the easiest to learn skill-wise and such a rush for folks to enjoy when the snow comes. You'll love the solitude as you glide across gentle rolling terrain. This fun outdoor diversion can be done alone or shared with others: you can go off on your own, or sign up for a guided tour tailored to the interests and skill level of your group.

Hiking - This activity requires little more preparation than a walk in the park. You'll want to pick a trail according to its length and your ability. Trails are rated moderate to difficult, but whatever your level, hiking is an invigorating outdoor aerobic exercise once you pick up the pace. You won't need much special equipment but you should be prepared for the unexpected if you're going for a trek in the wilderness.

Tennis - Love the game but don't have anyone to play with? You do not have to join a league to find players at your playing level or with compatible schedules and comparable levels of seriousness/fun. You can phone or visit any public tennis club or public tennis center or private club and tell the tennis pro or person at the desk what you are looking for, and when you would like to play. They will give you several names and phone numbers. Keep in mind that there are many people out there just like you who are looking for people to play with. It has not been widely reported, but tennis is the only participant sport in the U.S. that has increased in numbers since 2000.

Water Sports - At the beach or a pool, this is an outdoor aerobic exercise loved by all. It's easy on the joints for those that are in less than ideal physical condition. You don't have to know how to swim; you can take a lesson, try snorkeling, go bodyboarding, take a water aerobics class, or splash around with the kids. Another advantage of water sports is that they also motivate you to get in shape for wearing that swimsuit.

Pursuing a High Quality of Life
It is not only fun to get active in the great outdoors, it is vital to your well-being. A healthy outdoor aerobic exercise program lowers your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and improves endurance and strength at the same time. But the rejuvenation to your spirit is the most immediate benefit you'll reap. So don't wait for spring fever or any other excuse, get out and enjoy the fresh air today.